Chief Government Whip, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated in parliament today (November 22) that 893 persons have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) while only 64 of them were currently on trial.
Replying a question put forward by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, Minister Gunawardena said that out of the total number of detainees 259 of them are not on trial but are still being detained while 33 persons are currently part of ongoing court proceedings but have not been granted bail.
He also said that further measures will be taken regarding the detainees upon the direction of the Attorney General’s office.
In reply to MP Jayasekera inquiries about Kumaran Pathmanathan alias KP, Karuna Amman, George Master and Daya Master, he added that the President’s pardon was given to certain people even during J.R. Jayawardena’s time and that certain measures have to be taken by governments in this regard.
